If you’re in danger in Dallas and call 911, don’t expect a quick response.
According to newly released data from the Dallas Police Department, emergency response times are continuing to rise across the city. The numbers are not just concerning — they’re alarming. For life-threatening emergencies, known as “priority one” calls, officers now take over 11 minutes to arrive on average. For priority two calls — which include violent crimes like robbery, assault, and domestic violence — the average response time is now over 90 minutes.
And it gets worse.
Priority three calls, including theft, animal cruelty, and prostitution complaints, are now averaging nearly four and a half hours. Priority four calls — for incidents like criminal mischief, blocked streets, or loud disturbances — are seeing delays of over five hours.
These delays aren’t just statistics. They represent real people in real danger, waiting and wondering if help will arrive in time. The idea that a resident being robbed or assaulted may be left to fend for themselves while the clock ticks is not just unacceptable — it’s a public safety crisis.
What Happened to Prop U?
In November 2023, Dallas voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition U, which required the city to maintain at least 4,000 police officers. It was a clear mandate from the public, aimed at reversing the years-long decline in staffing that had left Dallas with one of the lowest officer-to-resident ratios of any major city in America.
But despite the mandate, the city has yet to reach — or consistently maintain — that level of staffing. While some officials have pointed to hiring gains, those numbers don’t tell the full story. Attrition, budget gaps, and lagging support have made it nearly impossible for the department to actually increase deployable officer numbers in a meaningful way.
Instead of aggressively addressing the shortage, the city has leaned into so-called “call diversion” strategies — which push residents to report certain crimes online or via phone instead of dispatching officers. Car broken into? File a form. Property vandalized? Use the app. These strategies might look efficient on paper, but for many residents, it feels like being abandoned.
Real Consequences for Real People
It’s not hard to imagine the real-world impact of these delays. A woman hiding in her home during a break-in. A parent waiting for help after a violent assault on their child. A business owner watching thieves walk out the door while holding on a 911 line.
And when help finally does come? It’s often too late.
Meanwhile, the city continues to claim progress — touting new programs, new reporting systems, and new strategies — while the core issue remains unresolved: we don’t have enough officers on the streets.
DPD Is Holding the Line Alone
While the city spins numbers and pushes press releases, Dallas police officers are left to carry the weight. Response times aren’t up because they’re lazy. They’re up because they’re outnumbered. Because too often, they’re being asked to do more with less — less staffing, less support, and less time.
DPD has made major busts in recent months. Officers continue to respond to violent scenes with professionalism and urgency. But without the resources to back them up, it’s an uphill battle.
And worse — when things go wrong, the blame often falls on them, not the elected officials who failed to act.
The Bottom Line
This is what happens when leadership fails. Voters demanded safer streets. They passed Prop U. They did their part. But instead of delivering, City Hall gave residents online portals and phone prompts — while the criminals kept moving.
You shouldn’t have to wonder if calling 911 will actually work. You shouldn’t be told to “file it online” while someone is breaking into your home. And you shouldn’t have to accept hours-long delays as the new normal.
It’s time to demand more — and hold our leaders accountable.
